Houseplants Not Just For Producing Oxygen [VIDEO]

ST. CLOUD -- With the mild winter many of us with green thumbs are itching to get our gardens planted. However you don't have to wait for the ground to thaw.

Most of us have at least one houseplant in our homes or in our offices.

Beth Berlin is the University of Minnesota Extension Educator in Horticulture. She says having houseplants will not only keep your garden up year round, but provide some health benefits other than making oxygen.

"There has been research that shows houseplants have pulled toxins out of the air, help pull out bacteria and molds in your home and on top of that they're just beautiful," says Berlin.

Some of the most effective plants in removing bacterias from the air include spider plants, bamboo palm, peace lily, and English ivy.

Taking care of houseplants is relatively easy by making sure it's watered and fertilized. But Berlin says the biggest factor is placing the right plant in the right place.

"So you may wonder why is my plant doing so poorly, well they want the right spot and that has a lot to do with light and the humidity in our homes," says Berlin.

If you are looking at raising plants in your home Berlin says to pay close attention to them early.

"Be watching those signs of wilting or the coloration of the leaves or flowers," says Berlin.

Berlin says having a collection of living plants in your home or workplace can improve your air quality and essentially your overall health.